Friday, March 25, 2005

Werner Schmidt - Reformer Quits

Update: March 27, 2005 ` Werner takes one last shot against gay and lesbian constituents.Update: March 25, 2005 ~ Egale Link to Werner Schmidt's voting record on marriage issues and gay rights.

Campaign for Life has quoted Schmidt with saying in 1997, "(he) would consider resigning rather than vote against his pro-life beliefs..."

Earlier this year, MP Schmidt introduced a Bill proclaiming a stat holiday entitled "Family Day" to held in February of each year. Given the MP's record of voting against gay rights and same-sex marriage I wanted to know if he excluded gay families from Family Day. Here is his reply..

In reply to your letter of February 15, please allow me to quote from a statement I made in the House of Commons on Monday, February 21, 2005.

"Today I wish to emphasize something which we all have in common. It knows no definition. At its best it is a source of strength, respect, cooperation, compassion. It has more value than money or status or success. It is that thing which weaves together people who become communities that become a nation. It is family."

Thank you very much for writing and I trust that this answers your question about inclusion of your family.

Yours trulyWerner Schmidt, MP

WS/jl

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I am satisfied the MP did not exclude my gay family from his bill.

Werner was also mentioned in today's Kelowna Cap News Editorial as having refused to opt in to the federal MP's Pension, if this is true, then Werner is indeed a rare breed in the former Alliance reform group. ----------------